Los Angeles or Bust – Part 1

Don’t take the train!

I’ve just begun to plan for the perfect summer vacation to Los Angeles. The City of Angels displays an allure and mystery for many Southerners. Hollywood, movie stars and Rodeo Drive appear so fascinating on TV. Heck, California is all the way on the other side of the country. Who wouldn’t want to visit? There are three ways to get to Los Angeles; plane, train or automobile. My goal is to get a family of 4 to Los Angeles from South Carolina in the most inexpensive and less stressful way. In the Los Angeles or Bust series, I will examine the best method of travel for my family. Let’s start with a train.

Step one: See if there is a direct route from Columbia to Los Angeles on Amtrak. Answer: Of course, NOT! My best bet would be to catch the train in Charlotte. Cool… we love The Queen City. Fortunately, Amtrak offers two routes. Unfortunately, both choices take over 65 hours one way! Can you imagine 65 hours with a 9 and 13 year old asking you how long the trip is going to take? All I see in my future is pure torture. The train does offer family suites to make the ride more comfortable but that adds an extra $2500 to the overall cost. So... we can either sit upright in a chair for over 130 hours or purchase a very small moving apartment.

The layover on the train is FAB-U-LOUS. We would switch trains midway through the trip in New Orleans. The layover is about 13 hours. We would arrive in NO at 7:38pm and leave the next morning at 11:55am. That gives time for a great dinner, shopping and sightseeing. FAB-U-LOUS… until you consider you would need a hotel room to sleep until the train leaves in the morning… more money. Not to mention a hotel in Los Angeles and another 65 hours return trip.

Diva Conclusion: Traveling by train from Columbia to Los Angeles is very costly and not time efficient. For a family of 4, using the train would cost upwards of $5,000 for a one week trip. Most of the trip would be spent in a confined railcar. I know there is a theatre car and a dining car but who wants to be confined for 65 hours. Heck, it only takes 21 hours and $1,800 to fly to Africa. I think we will use Amtrak for short trips to places like Florida. At least there is a direct route from Columbia. Looks like the train is out for going to Los Angeles. I think I’ll try the plane next.


Smooches

Bon Voyage!

Hi Everyone,

You are in for a treat! Guest Diva Heather Stallworth graces us with her shoestring travel know how. This “almost seasoned” traveler has crossed the seas numerous times on a limited budget. Even the most seasoned globetrotters are jealous of her travel finds. After reading Heathers travel tips, you’ll pack your bags and say Bon Voyage!

Smooches,

The Shoestring Diva

Bon Voyage! by Heather Stallworth

It’s a new year and endless possibilities are on the horizon for your next vacation. In today’s time we all are trying to save money and our travel plans are no exception. There is no sure fire way on how to get the best travel deals. However there are steps everyone can take to become a smart traveler and get the best bang for your buck.

• Research, research, research!!! When planning your next vacation getaway, research and compare on average of 5-6 websites offering a comparable package.
• All-inclusive are the best way to save big when traveling to one destination. Websites like www.travelzoo.com www.cheapcaribbean.com and www.vacationstogo.com are a few that provide great deals and rates that you won’t be able to beat. Are you an avid facebooker or tweet on the regular? Once you decide on your package “add” or “follow” the website and they normally will email a coupon code to use on your checkout for extra money off your package.
• Bon voyage! You can get great travel deals on cruises by using websites like Expedia or Travelocity, however, if you want to find an amazing cruise for the low-low try www.cruisecomplete. Cruising sounds so good right now I might just log on myself and scoop up a 3-nt Caribbean for $299 on my personal favorite www.cruisesonly.com. I find myself on this website weekly. Not only do they guarantee everything but they offer customer reviews and in-depth information on the ships and destinations.
  

Need even more discounts? WHO DOESN’T?? Before your trip log on to ebay and purchase coupons for lodging, transportation, food, admission and entertainment. Simply search for your destination and type in “coupon” or “gift certificate”


Journey on the Go!

1. Before exchanging foreign currency at the airport, find out if there is a departure tax, once you pay tax and are through security there are exchange ports in all terminals.W
2. When traveling with children, take recent, wallet sized pictures of them in case you get separated, also have your children have a recent picture of you with your number or emergency contact on the back in the event you are separated and your family does not speak the local language, keep in a snack sized zip-lock bag for better photo protection.
3. Looking for authentic food? Go for the more crowded pub or vendor. Locals know the best spots!

Tips from an almost seasoned traveler.

Heather Stallworth
heatherns@comcast.net





Please be advised that this advice is one Diva’s opinion. This advice is from research, observation and personal experience. No solution is guaranteed.